"Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

[Tithesmeister]

Originally Posted by

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Men are gods to them!

I must confess that I do not wear a beard. I shave nearly every day. But the issue to me is that the doctrine is not in harmony with the scripture. If Jesus did wear a beard, which seems to be the consensus, and the apostles did, which seems to be the case, why are we as Apostolics preaching against them?

The words of the Disciple above take on a very real meaning when we would rather have respect for the words of men, than the example of Jesus. It has been referenced several times here, but is it not significant that if Jesus showed up in our services (in the flesh) that He would not be allowed on the platform? He really would be watched closely, not in a reverent way, but out of a suspicion for His lack of Spirituality. No one in our ranks would believe that it was Him. That would be evident just because He was wearing a beard. Surely Jesus would never do such a thing.

Is the regard for the words of men above the example of Jesus not a pretty solid case for idolatry?

Maybe men ARE gods to them!

[Aquila]

If a church forbids those with beards on their platform... by their own words, Christ isn't welcome, unless they can show Scripture indicating that Jesus is now clean shaven.

Matthew 12:36
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

There is no arbitrary idle word. Such a "standard" will be dealt back upon them, but only in the context of reality. They will see how many ministries they've prevented from being birthed. How many souls might have been saved had they not aborted the ministries of bearded men. And they will stare into the eyes of a bearded Judge. And hear their own standard echoing in their ears... "Beards are not permitted on this platform.", as their bearded Judge turns to them with tear filled eyes saying, "My. How unfortunate."

[Amanah]

The article I linked show the cultural reasons for and against beards. It helps explain why people feel they way they do about beards.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Tithesmeister

I must confess that I do not wear a beard. I shave nearly every day. But the issue to me is that the doctrine is not in harmony with the scripture. If Jesus did wear a beard, which seems to be the consensus, and the apostles did, which seems to be the case, why are we as Apostolics preaching against them?

The words of the Disciple above take on a very real meaning when we would rather have respect for the words of men, than the example of Jesus. It has been referenced several times here, but is it not significant that if Jesus showed up in our services (in the flesh) that He would not be allowed on the platform? He really would be watched closely, not in a reverent way, but out of a suspicion for His lack of Spirituality. No one in our ranks would believe that it was Him. That would be evident just because He was wearing a beard. Surely Jesus would never do such a thing.

Is the regard for the words of men above the example of Jesus not a pretty solid case for idolatry?

Maybe men ARE gods to them!

It isn't a sin to be clean shaven. Nor is it a sin to have a beard.

To condemn a man who is bearded or clean shaven, or to divide the body, showing personal favoritism is not of God.

In a true and biblical Apostolic church... it wouldn't matter if one shaves or not.

And if one believes in keeping the Torah, then we have an issue. Because then there would be Scripture that would indeed encourage wearing a beard over being clean shaven.

[Aquila]

I know churches that will raise a bigger fuss about allowing a man with a beard on their platform than allowing a man who is divorced to be their pastor.

And frankly, there is Scripture that could be interpreted to prohibit divorcees from serving as elders or deacons. But there is absolutely NO Scripture to justify limitation or condemnation upon men with facial hair.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Amanah

The article I linked show the cultural reasons for and against beards. It helps explain why people feel they way they do about beards.

But "feelz" and cultural norms don't mean a hill of beans. Is it in the B-I-B-L-E to limit or condemn men with or without facial hair in the body of Christ?

[Aquila]

Some men have rather severe reactions to shaving. They have to take special measures to try to avoid serious pseudofolliculitis barbae. And for some, even those special measures don't always prevent the rather irritating, and often painful, skin condition. Many men with severe conditions are prone to infection. Dermatologists state that the most effective way of preventing such a condition is to... grow a beard.



It's a real shame when a man would be disqualified from being on the platform of a church because he has chosen to grow a beard on account of not wanting to deal with such a skin condition.

[Aquila]

The problems are:

- There is NO Biblical merit to a standard against beards, or a platform standard against beards.

- To embrace such is to elevate the traditions and personal preference of man above Scripture.

- To set such a standard brings undue division within the body.

- To set such a standard shows personal favoritism between brethren within the body.

And to cite Esquire magazine and cultural norms regarding facial hair is to take one's queues from the world, instead of just remaining in the book.

[n david]

Originally Posted by Aquila

But "feelz" and cultural norms don't mean a hill of beans. Is it in the B-I-B-L-E to limit or condemn men with or without facial hair in the body of Christ?

Wow, Aquila. This is pretty significant coming from a guy who typically is all about the feelz and culture. Also interesting the switch from putting more faith in what history and culture says than the Bible. Add to that the change from your usual posts promoting a holiday to condemning the only actual Christian holiday, calling it an abomination. Celebrating the Resurrection an abomination? First time I've heard that one.

[n david]

Originally Posted by Aquila

And to cite Esquire magazine and cultural norms regarding facial hair is to take one's queues from the world, instead of just remaining in the book.